Job Description

Research Fellow in Phototrophic Bioprocesses

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Organisation
Cranfield University
Faculty or Department
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Based at
Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire
Hours of work
37 hours per week, normally worked Monday to Friday. Flexible working will be considered.
Contract type
Fixed term contract
Fixed Term Period
For 24 months
Salary
Full time starting salary is normally 37,337 per annum
Posted Date
25/06/2025
Apply by
14/07/2025

Role Description

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Cranfield Water Science Institute welcomes applications from passionate, skilled and committed Engineering, Environmental Science, Biology and Biotechnology graduates with a PhD in relevant subjects to contribute to an exciting European project developing biotechnological processes that use phototrophic microorganisms to recover resources from waste.

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated Research Fellow to join our dynamic team in addressing the crucial challenge of recovering resources from waste. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in a high-profile European project (OLinWASTE) of international relevance aimed at establishing a groundbreaking case study for an integrated zero-emission biorefinery to convert olive mill wastes into valuable resources. The overall project will upcycle olive mill waste into high-value products such as plant bioimmunostimulants, biopesticides, biofertilizers, biobased plastics, and bioenergy.



The focus of the candidate for this position will be on developing treatment processes exploiting the metabolic flexibility of phototrophic microorganisms to recover polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and macronutrients (N, P) from digestate and other waste effluents. Utilising state-of-the-art facilities and collaborating with other project partners, the role encompasses the planning, implementation of experimental tests and the operation of laboratory and small-scale reactors to grow phototrophic microorganisms and assess their ability to remove organics and nutrients, and accumulate PHAs.



The role will also involve the assessment of the use of coarse filtration as a solid-liquid separation strategy for the implementation of photo-bioreactors. Your work will contribute to an international project, inform strategies and asset design to exploit the potential of phototrophic microorganisms for the recovery of value from waste and the protection of the environment. This is an exceptional opportunity for a professional passionate about engineering, environmental science, biology or biotechnology to impact the agro-industrial and waste sectors significantly.

About You

You will be educated to doctoral level (or close to completion) in Engineering, Environmental Science, Biology or Biotechnology, and have experience in management research using both qualitative and quantitative methods. You will have experience in research involving phototrophic microorganisms (either autotrophic or heterotrophic) and a track record of translating the microbiological properties of these microorganisms into engineering applications. The role will also involve using coarse filtration (mesh or cloth filtration) as a solid-liquid separation strategy for the biomass recovery in continuous photo-bioreactors. With excellent communication skills, you will have expertise in wastewater and/or waste treatments and biological processes for resource recovery.



A background in biotechnology, environmental or engineered systems would be an advantage. Knowledge of filtration and separation processes would be an advantage. Equivalent industry experience would be considered'

About Us

As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield's world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here.



The Water theme at Cranfield University is home to two internationally recognised centres of excellence: Cranfield Water Science Institute and the Centre for Water Environment and Development. Both groups offer postgraduate taught and research degrees as well as short courses on campus or in-company.



Cranfield Water Science Institute has a proud reputation for its research on the science, engineering and management of water. Our lives and livelihoods are dependent on the natural and engineered water cycles. Accordingly, research and skills development in water treatment and management have never been more vital. Cranfield's research in these areas is applied and industry focused, and we have been driving innovation for over 40 years.

Our Values and Commitments

Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here.



We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families. Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here.

Working Arrangements

Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.

How to apply

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Dr Luca Alibardi, Lecturer in Separation processes on (E): l.alibardi@cranfield.ac.uk



Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on E: peoplerecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk. Please quote reference number 5101.



Closing date for receipt of applications: 14 July 2025